Introducing Stylish Souvenirs from Hanoi, such as Dried Fruits and Drippers!

When you think of Hanoi, it’s not only the capital of Vietnam but also the central hub of the northern region. It’s a popular tourist destination and a great place to enjoy shopping for Vietnamese goods.
So, what comes to mind when you think of souvenirs from Hanoi? Digging through Vietnamese items in local markets sounds fun. But beyond the chaotic markets, Hanoi is also home to many refined and stylish shops that sell chic souvenirs. Let’s explore what kind of items you can find there.

1. Embroidered Items from Quoc Su

Vietnam and embroidery are deeply intertwined, with each ethnic group in the mountainous regions said to have its own unique embroidery culture.
Even around the city of Hanoi, you can occasionally see women enjoying embroidery as part of their livelihood rather than just a hobby. There are also several souvenir shops in Hanoi that specialize in embroidery—perfect for gifts.
Among them, Quoc Su is known for its embroidered artworks. Upon entering the shop, you’ll be amazed to see what appear to be paintings actually crafted from delicate embroidery. They also offer embroidered pouches, tablecloths, and other accessories—ideal as personal souvenirs to remember your time in Hanoi.
The prices may be on the higher side, but in return, you’ll get exceptionally beautiful items.

2. Vietnamese Coffee

Vietnamese coffee is quite different from what most people are used to. It is made by brewing dark-roasted beans through a stainless steel or aluminum drip filter, resulting in a strong espresso-like coffee, typically mixed with condensed milk. If this is your first encounter, it’s likely to leave quite an impression.
Vietnamese coffee is an essential souvenir. At Cafe Runam on Nha Tho Street in Hanoi, you can enjoy organic, high-quality coffee and also purchase wonderful souvenirs.
In addition to tote bags and other merchandise, they sell original coffee beans and traditional Vietnamese drippers that you’ll definitely want to take home. They also offer baked treats and charming gift boxes, making it a stylish place to shop for Hanoi souvenirs.

3. Tableware from “Ajisai”

Located right across from Cafe Runam, Ajisai is a souvenir shop for Vietnamese goods operated by a Japanese owner.
As expected from a Japanese-run shop, the interior is stylish and clean. It’s a great spot to carefully browse items, especially if you’re tired of the hustle and bustle of Hanoi’s markets.
While they also carry adorable bags and food items, the highlight is their Vietnamese tableware. From floral motifs to glasses with illustrations of women in Ao Dai, and brightly colored dishes, the shop offers many designs that reflect Vietnamese charm.
Ajisai's products are also known for their quality. They offer beautiful wrapping services, making it a perfect place to buy gifts for superiors or important individuals.

4. Dried Fruits

One of the popular souvenirs from Hanoi is dried fruit. It’s a convenient snack for a quick bite between work, making it an ideal gift for the office. Since it also pairs well with drinks, it’s surprisingly recommended for men who enjoy alcohol too.
Although you can find dried fruits sold all over Hanoi, why not opt for something more stylish at La Frutta? Located a bit southwest of Hanoi’s city center, it offers an exceptional selection.
One of the most popular products is the Vietnamese-style dried plum called "O Mai." It’s praised for its perfectly balanced tartness. Mangoes and kiwis are also popular for their sweetness that deepens as you chew. They also sell banana and taro chips, so it might be fun to compare different flavors.

◎ Summary

Here are four recommended souvenirs from Hanoi.
Vietnamese embroidery and coffee items like drippers are uniquely Vietnamese and allow you to feel the local culture. In addition, Hanoi offers a wide range of stylish and universally appealing souvenirs. Shopping for beautiful souvenirs can be so exciting that you might find yourself buying more than you planned!